Research topics

Discover the diversity of research topics investigated in our laboratories. 

Research laboratories

Explore the research laboratories directed by our faculty, and learn how to get involved.

Programs, centers, and institutes

Learn more about interdisciplinary research and learning opportunities. 

Research groups

Faculty research news

Photo of Sophia Brownd, a senior majoring in psychology with a certificate in aging and longevity studies at the University of Iowa. Nine CLAS students completed internships abroad in summer 2026.

11 UI students awarded Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship to intern abroad

Thursday, August 6, 2026
Undergraduate students participate in internships abroad in summer 2026, thanks to support from the Dr. Ken Magid Scholarship. The fund was established by the late Linda Baker (BA English ’68) in memory of her former mentor, author and child behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Magid.
A pair of binoculars sits on top of a birdwatching book outdoors. CLAS University of Iowa researchers from psychology and the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, Christopher Brochu and Ed Wasserman, share how birds and other creatures have unlocked discoveries in their fields.

How three Iowa scientists find inspiration in the natural world

Thursday, August 6, 2026
CLAS researchers Christopher Brochu and Ed Wasserman share how birds and other creatures have unlocked discoveries in their fields.
Amy Hernandez, a junior majoring in counseling and behavioral health services with a minor in psychology, is studying abroad in fall 2026 on the Wells in Florence program in Italy.

4 University of Iowa students awarded Leona Zaharis Scholarship to study abroad

Monday, August 3, 2026
Four University of Iowa students have been awarded the Leona Zaharis Scholarship to support their study abroad experiences in summer and fall 2026.
Portrait of Brenda Gao

UI alumna Brenda Gao awarded Fulbright to teach English in Taiwan

Monday, July 27, 2026
Brenda Gao (BS psychology ’25) has received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Taiwan for the 2026–27 academic year.
two people running at sunrise

Exercise triggers memory-related brain 'ripples' in humans, CLAS researchers report

Monday, June 29, 2026
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences-led study captures how a single bout of exercise activates neural rhythms tied to learning and recall
Pigeon in front of computer screen

At the ‘edge of chaos,’ pigeons keep their options open

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Researchers in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences found that pigeons balance repetition and exploration, operating at the “edge of chaos,” offering new insight into the mechanisms behind human creativity, adaptability, and decision-making.
DeAndre Steger at the 2026 Finkbine Dinner

Psychological and Brain Sciences student DeAndre Steger recognized at Finkbine Dinner

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
DeAndre Steger, a student in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, was recognized at the Finkbine Dinner for his academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to research and student engagement.
2022_07_26-Michelle Voss-gestlund-003.jpeg

Psychological and Brain Sciences researcher Michelle Voss explores how exercise improves memory

Monday, April 6, 2026
Michelle Voss, a researcher in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to new research showing how brief physical activity can enhance memory. Her work demonstrates how exercise creates measurable changes in brain activity that support learning and memory retention, offering new insights into brain health.
Jan Wessel

Big questions, complex brains: how one psychological and brain sciences faculty member seeks to understand what makes us human

Thursday, February 26, 2026
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Professor Jan Wessel has always been fascinated by the brain and how humans think. Now, he conducts his research in a collaborative approach unlike any other.
Isabella Muzzio

Muzzio discusses how memories are altered on Iowa Public Radio

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Isabel Muzzio, faculty member in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences grew up during a violent time in Argentina, but found that years later, some from her community viewed those events much differently. Today, she studies how memories are altered and joins the show to talk about how our politics impact our memories.